Fuel Filters & Components

What Types of Fuel Filters Can You Choose From?

Most fuel filters here are inline designs that mount directly in the fuel line. They differ by housing material, length, port style and the fuel they're built to handle. Here's what you'll find:

• Compact billet-aluminum filters, including JEGS models that measure 2 5/16 in. long in black or blue
• Full-size billet filters, such as a -10 AN filter for gas, E85 and alcohol that measures 5 in. long
• Stainless-steel 10-micron filters sized for 3/8 in. fuel hose
• See-through 3/8 in. filters that let you check the element at a glance
• Street fuel filters, including an option that stands 5.25 in. tall
• Pre-filters such as the MagnaFuel in-line pre filter

You'll also find Aeromotive inline filters with -6 AN male ports, -10 AN ports or -10 AN O-ring ports. Holley HP billet fuel filters include a 100 GPH model and a -8 AN version. Start with your line size and fuel type, then pick the housing style that fits your build.

Which Micron Rating Do You Need: 10 or 100 Micron?

On a fuel-injected engine, you typically need both: a 100 micron filter before the pump and a 10 micron filter after it. The micron number tells you the particle size a filter stops, so a lower number means finer filtration.

The 100-micron pre-filter goes in the tank or between the tank and pump inlet. It catches larger debris without choking the pump's supply. The 10-micron filter goes between the pump and fuel rail, where it traps fine particles before they reach the rail.

Don't put a fine filter on the suction side. It creates too much restriction for the pump to pull through. If you're running one of our electric fuel pumps, keep the pre-filter coarse enough to protect the pump without starving it. Our fuel system guide for 1973-1987 C10 and K10 trucks walks through this two-filter layout step by step.

How Do You Match AN, NPT and Hose Barb Fittings?

Match the filter's ports to your fuel line size and fitting style so you don't need extra adapters. Every added adapter is another potential leak point, so a direct fit keeps your plumbing simpler.

An AN fuel filter threads straight onto AN-fitted hose. Compact billet filters come with -6 AN or -8 AN ports in male-to-male and male-to-female layouts. Some add a 90-degree female end for tight routing. Larger filters step up to -10 AN ports for higher-volume systems.

If you're running rubber fuel hose, a 3/8 in. inline fuel filter with hose barb ends slides on and clamps in place. For mixed systems, a filter with a 3/8 in. NPT male port on one end and a -6 AN male port on the other bridges the two styles. Pair your filter with matching AN fittings and hose for braided lines, or choose fuel line fittings and hose for barb and NPT setups.

Where Should You Install an Inline Fuel Filter?

Install at least one filter between the tank and the pump inlet to protect the pump. High-performance systems often add a second filter after the pump. In race applications, the filter belongs before the pump and must not restrict fuel flow.

This layout applies whether you're feeding mechanical fuel pumps or electric units. For mounting and wiring details, see our walkthrough on how to install an electric fuel pump.

LS swaps need extra planning, since fuel pressure typically runs 58-60 psi. A Corvette-style filter/regulator combines filtration and regulation in one unit. If you're using aftermarket fuel pressure regulators, pair them with a quality inline filter. Our guide to return-style vs. return-less LS fuel systems helps you figure out which setup your engine uses.

Which E85 Fuel Filters, Elements and Mounts Fit Your Setup?

If you run E85 or alcohol, choose an E85 fuel filter that's specifically built for those fuels. One option is a billet fuel filter with -10 AN ports that measures 5 in. long and handles gas, E85 and alcohol.

Filters with a replaceable fuel filter element let you service the filter without replacing the housing. Replacement elements made for the 5 in. housings work with gas and alcohol. They measure 1.975 in. OD x 1.120 in. ID x 2.805 in. tall, so confirm those dimensions against your housing before you order.

A billet-aluminum fuel filter mount with a 1 3/4 in. I.D. holds a compatible filter securely to the chassis. Once your filter is sorted, browse the full selection of fuel pumps, regulators and filters to complete your fuel system.